2002
The 2002 AGM was attended by 16 members and the club funds stood at £575.66. It was suggested that extra funding for the club might be available from South East Arts. The Anderida Accolade was awarded to John Bennett.
Ella Harris took over from Sharon Benz as Chairperson, and she commented on the lack of contributions for the Year Book. The Afternoon ‘Shorties’ was also poorly supported, so it was cancelled. Tamara McKinley had sold 100,000 of her books, ‘Matilda’s Last Waltz’ and ‘Jacaranda Vines’ to Sweden, Germany, Finland and Australia, and both had entered the best-sellers lists in Germany and Sweden. ‘Matilda’s Last Waltz’ went into auction for a German book deal and the advance was record breaking. Her next novel, ‘Windflowers’ was launched with an evening of entertainment and good food.

Members were each sent a questionnaire so the answers would give the committee an idea of attendances, preferences, and interests. The new venue at Polegate Church Hall was not a popular choice. Sharon Searle gave an entertaining talk on her writing career at the June meeting, ending with the advice: “Don’t get it right, get it written.”